New Covid variant found in South Africa has concerning mutations

South African scientists said they identified a new coronavirus variant that has a concerning number of mutations.

The so-called C.1.2. variant was first identified in May in the South African provinces of Mpumalanga and Gauteng, where Johannesburg and the capital, Pretoria, are situated, the scientists said in a research paper. It’s since been found in seven other countries in Africa, Oceania, Asia and Europe.  The mutations on the virus "are associated with increased transmissibility” and an increased ability to evade antibodies, the scientists said. "It is important to highlight this lineage given its concerning constellation of mutations.”